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Office of Grant Management

Pre-Award Pathways
PRE-AWARD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

What we do

Pre-award is responsible for facilitating the activities connected with finding research funding sources, preparing and reviewing funding proposals, and the timely submission of funding proposals. Our office can also help you with the creation, negotiation, and execution of contracts/submissions.

GRANT FUNDING PATHWAY

Navigating the intricate landscape of grant funding can be challenging. Let this pathway serve as your guide throughout the entire grant process, offering checkpoints at every turn. Remember, our office is dedicated to supporting you at every step of your journey.

PRE-AWARD FORMS, RATES & INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION

Pre-award forms are the initial step in the process of securing grant funding. These critical documents serve as the foundation for accessing financial support for your projects.

The Intent to Apply form is a pivotal document signaling your commitment to pursuing grant funding. It serves as an initial declaration of your interest in a specific grant opportunity, outlining your project’s scope, objectives, and alignment with the funder’s priorities. Use the link below to take you to the “Intent to Apply” form found on MyACHE. Please complete the form and return it to our office at grants@achehealth.edu.

INTENT TO APPLY FORM

 

Fringe rates and Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs are integral components of grant funding budgets.

  • Fringe rates encompass costs beyond salaries, such as benefits, insurance, and retirement contributions, ensuring comprehensive financial coverage for project personnel.
  • F&A costs cover indirect expenses essential for project operations, like utilities, maintenance, and administrative support, essential for project operations.”

At ACHE, our Fringe Rate is 23% and our F&A Rate is 55%.

 

FINDING FUNDING & COLLABORATORS

Grants.gov is a central portal for finding and applying for federal grants offered by U.S. government agencies. It provides a single access point for individuals and organizations to search, apply, and manage grants across various government programs and initiatives.

How it works:

  1. Search for grant opportunities by keyword, agency, or category.
  2. Review eligibility requirements and application instructions for each grant.
  3. Complete and submit grant applications online through the Grants.gov portal.
  4. Track the status of submitted applications and manage awarded grants through the portal’s interface.

Click here to get started.

PREPARE PROPOSALS FOR SUBMISSION

Preparing a grant proposal for submission involves several key steps to ensure thoroughness and alignment with funding requirements:

  1. Review Guidelines: Carefully read and understand the grant application guidelines, noting specific requirements, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.
  2. Develop a Project Plan: Outline a clear and compelling project plan that addresses the grant’s objectives, including research methods, timelines, and anticipated outcomes.
  3. Budget Preparation: Create a detailed budget that accurately reflects project costs, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and other expenses. Ensure compliance with funder’s budgetary guidelines.
  4. Write the Proposal: Draft the proposal narrative following a structured format, including an abstract, project description, methodology, significance of the research, and expected impact. Tailor the narrative to highlight alignment with funder priorities.
  5. Include Supporting Documents: Gather and prepare necessary supporting documents such as CVs, letters of support, institutional assurances, and any required certifications.
  6. Review and Revise: Review the proposal for clarity, coherence, and adherence to guidelines. Revise as needed to strengthen arguments and improve readability.
  7. Finalize and Package: Format the proposal according to the funder’s specifications. Double-check all components, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
NEGOTIATION OF AWARDS

This phase involves careful assessment and strategic dialogue to ensure that awarded funding aligns seamlessly with project goals while adhering to institutional policies and funder requirements. Our office specializes in navigating these complexities, advocating for your project’s success through meticulous review, negotiation of terms, and alignment of budgetary considerations by working through the following steps on your behalf:

  1. Review Award Terms: Carefully examine the terms and conditions outlined in the award letter or notification provided by the funding agency.
  2. Assess Budget Allocation: Evaluate the budget allocation to ensure it aligns with the proposed project expenses and complies with both institutional and funder guidelines.
  3. Identify Potential Adjustments: Identify any discrepancies or areas where adjustments to the budget or project scope may be necessary to optimize funding utilization.
  4. Clarify Expectations: Communicate with the funding agency to clarify expectations regarding project deliverables, reporting requirements, and milestones.
  5. Negotiate Terms: Engage in negotiations to address any concerns or discrepancies in the award terms, ensuring they are mutually agreeable and beneficial for both parties.
  6. Document Agreements: Document all negotiated agreements and modifications in writing to ensure clarity and transparency throughout the process.
  7. Secure Approvals: Obtain necessary institutional approvals for finalized award terms and budgets before proceeding with project implementation.
  8. Monitor Compliance: Monitor ongoing compliance with negotiated terms throughout the duration of the project, addressing any issues that may arise promptly.
  9. Maintain Communication: Maintain open communication with the funding agency throughout the project lifecycle to address any changes or updates as needed.
  10. Evaluate Outcomes: Evaluate the outcomes of the negotiation process to assess the overall effectiveness of the awarded funding in achieving project goals and objectives.